De Peel Air Base

The deactivation as a fighter base was a direct result of the end of the Cold War. This led to a major reorganization of NATO forces and significant defense budget cuts across Europe, including in the Netherlands. With the reduced military threat from the Warsaw Pact, a reserve/dispersal air base like De Peel was deemed redundant for its primary role of hosting fighter aircraft.

The site is an active military installation known as the Luitenant-generaal Bestkazerne (Lieutenant General Best Barracks). It is the main base for the Dutch military's Joint Ground-based Air Defence Command (JGLC), which operates advanced systems like the Patriot and NASAMS surface-to-air missiles. The airfield infrastructure, including its main runway and taxiways, remains largely intact. While not used for regular fixed-wing fighter operations since 1993, the field is still officially a military aerodrome (ICAO: EHDP) and is used for military exercises, drone flights, and helicopter operations. The code NL-0146 is a national, non-standard identifier; the official ICAO code is EHDP.

De Peel Air Base has a significant history rooted in the Cold War. Initially established as a satellite airfield by the German Luftwaffe during World War II, it was later developed by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (KLu). Its primary role during the Cold War was as a NATO dispersal and reserve air base. It was not always home to a permanent fighter squadron but was maintained in a state of readiness to host aircraft in times of crisis. From 1963 to 1988, it was the base for the 1e Groep Geleide Wapens (1 GGW), a Nike Hercules surface-to-air missile unit, highlighting its critical importance in Dutch and NATO air defense networks. Throughout its active years, it periodically hosted various fighter aircraft, including the F-84F Thunderstreak, Hawker Hunter, and later the F-16 Fighting Falcon, primarily for training, exercises, and dispersal operations.

There are active and advanced plans by the Dutch Ministry of Defence to fully reactivate De Peel Air Base as a primary fighter base for the F-35A Lightning II. This decision, driven by the need for increased operational capacity and strategic dispersal for the F-35 fleet, was announced in 2019 and has gained urgency due to the changed geopolitical situation in Europe. However, the plan faces significant delays and strong opposition from local communities and environmental groups. Key concerns revolve around noise pollution from the F-35s and environmental impact, particularly nitrogen deposition in nearby protected nature reserves. The project is undergoing extensive environmental impact assessments and public consultation procedures. A final political decision on the reactivation has been postponed multiple times, and the definitive timeline remains uncertain.